Norths get win over IRL rivals

Norths Tigers defeated West End Bulldogs 30-26 in the Ipswich Rugby League Mayor Paul Pisasale A-Grade Cup on Sunday.

Norths were trailing 10-0 just five minutes into the game after Samson Hookey and Gary Natoealofa both scored for West End.

Early in the match Norths were failing to put any pressure on West End as they were making too many errors in attack and conceding too much territory in defence.

Things began to change when West End were penalised in the 10^th minute.

Norths got into good position for the first time after receiving a penalty and they were able to pressure West End into an error.

In the 13^th minute Norths swung the ball to their right and Anava Fesolai scored in the corner.

Joel Swan scored for West End after picking up a Norths dropped ball to give the Bulldogs a 16-4 lead.

But Norths reply was swift when Stephen Kafer scored two tries for the Tigers in the next 15 minutes.

When Tonga Mounga scored for Norths from a scintillating backline play from 40-metres out in the 36^th minute, the Tigers took the lead for the first time.

West End were not to be outdone though as Brook Alofipo scored for the Bulldogs from a backline play to level the scores at 20-all at halftime.

Norths got off to a flying start in the second-half when West End made an error in the 42^nd minute and Anava Fesolai scored for the Tigers in the following set.

West End were quick to hit back though, in the 48^th minute Maurice Ah Voa barged over from dummy-half to score for the Bulldogs.

With the scores locked at 26-all both teams had chances to claim the lead but both teams’ defensive lines were holding strong.

In the 64^th minute Norths winger Matthew Fairhurst got into open space and scored to give the Tigers a 30-26 lead.

West End threw everything at Norths in hope of getting a late opportunity to snatch the lead.

But Norths were measured in defence and held strong to claim a 30-26 win over West End.

In the other Ipswich Rugby League Mayor Paul Pisasale A-Grade Cup round 15 matches: Brothers defeated Swifts 18-4 and Fassifern defeated Goodna 24-20.